The Role of Serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Clinical Implications

December 2021 in “ Cells ”

Anna Waśkiel‐Burnat, M Osińska, Anna Salińska, Leszek Blicharz, Mohamad Goldust, Małgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka

TLDR Alopecia areata severity and treatment response are linked to specific cytokine levels.

The study investigates the role of serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines in patients with alopecia areata (AA) and their clinical implications. It finds that AA is characterized by elevated levels of Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-12), Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13), and Th17 cytokines (IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23), which correlate with disease severity and duration. Elevated cytokine levels are linked to increased risks of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and depression. Treatments like tofacitinib and DPCP can normalize cytokine levels, suggesting their role in disease pathogenesis and potential as therapeutic targets. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding cytokine profiles in developing personalized treatments for AA patients.

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Research cited in this study

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research Evaluation of the Level of Serum Interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-15, and IL-17) and Its Relationship with Disease Severity in Patients with Alopecia Areata

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Alopecia Areata Is Characterized by Dysregulation in Systemic Type 17 and Type 2 Cytokines, Which May Contribute to Disease-Associated Psychological Morbidity

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148 citations, December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity”

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25 citations, December 2017 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings”

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Patients with severe active alopecia areata have lower CD200 expression and an imbalance in their immune system.

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Increased Toll-like receptors in blood cells may contribute to alopecia areata and could be a target for new treatments.

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Alopecia areata involves immune activation in the scalp, suggesting treatments targeting TH1, TH2, and IL-23 pathways.

research Alopecia Areata Update

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research The Role of Serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Clinical Implications

37 citations, December 2021 in “Cells”

Alopecia areata severity and treatment response are linked to specific cytokine levels.